China claims row hyped

China has accused the Philippines of "hyping up maritime disputes" in the South China Sea.

In a statement, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin insisted that "China has indisputable sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao, consisting of Dongsha Qundao, Xisha Qundao, Zhongsha Qundao and Nansha Qundao, and their adjacent waters, and has sovereign rights and jurisdiction over relevant waters.

Wang's sovereign claims in SCS overlap the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, or EEZ, and territorial rights in the West Philippine Sea, including Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough), which it calls Huangyan Dao or Huangyan Island.

Wang said the arbitral tribunal in the South China Sea Arbitration "violated the principle of state consent, exercised its jurisdiction ultra vires and rendered an award in disregard of the law."

Allies raise uproar

China wanted Manila and Beijing to "return to the right track of resolving maritime disputes through negotiation and consultation as soon as possible and work with China to safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea."

Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa sounded the alarm over the use of water cannons and reiterated Japan's recognition of the 2016 arbitral ruling.

"Seriously concerned about the dangerous actions by CCG vessels against Philippine vessels, which endanger lives and livelihoods and pose a threat to the peace and stability in the South China Sea," he said on the social media platform X.

Canadian Ambassador David Hartman labeled China's actions "dangerous and escalatory."

Hartman underscored that the 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration "is final and binding on the parties."

European Union Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Veron also condemned China's most recent aggression.

"The EU recalls that UNCLOS dispute settlement mechanisms contribute to maintaining and advancing the rule of law," he said.